X.  I was deceived too by the Ramah of Samuel, that little fatherland of the great man; which was no dishonour to the Prophet, for it drew its honour not so much from itself as from him; nor was he hindered on its account from being given to God before his birth, or from uttering oracles, and foreseeing the future; nor only so, but also anointing Kings and Priests, and judging the men of illustrious cities.  I heard also of Saul, how while seeking his father’s asses he found a kingdom.  And even David himself was taken from the sheepfolds to be the shepherd of Israel.  What of Amos?  Was he not, while a goatherd and scraper of sycamore fruit entrusted with the gifts of prophecy?  How is it that I have passed over Joseph, who was both a slave and the giver of corn to Egypt, and the father of many myriads who were promised before to Abraham?  Aye and I was deceived by the Carmel of Elias, who received the car of fire; and by the sheepskin of Elissæus that had more power than a silken web or than gold forced into garments.  I was deceived by the desert of John, which held the greatest among them that are born of women, with that clothing, that food, that girdle, which we know.  And I ventured even beyond these, and found God Himself the Patron of my rusticity.  I will range myself with Bethlehem, and will share the ignominy of the Manger; for since you refuse on this account honour to God, it is no wonder that on the same account you despise His herald also.  And I will bring up to you the Fishermen, and the poor to whom the Gospel is preached, as preferred before many rich.  Will you ever leave off priding yourselves upon your cities?  Will you ever revere that wilderness which you abominate and despise?  I do not yet say that gold has its birthplace in sand; nor that translucent stones are the product and gifts of rocks; for if to these I should oppose all that is dishonourable in cities perhaps it would be to no good end that I should use my freedom of speech.